Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles 

Thursday May 26 | AAMI Park | 7.50pm AEST

Both teams head into this clash out of form, with the Storm and Sea Eagles both suffering back-to-back defeats. Manly were brave losing to the Eels 22-20 but lost star Tom Trbojevic to a season-ending shoulder injury. While Manly’s record with Trbojevic isn’t too bad, Melbourne have won the last five meetings between the teams. Melbourne has also won nine in a row when back at AAMI Stadium after a loss. But with the Storm still missing some key players, and their past two performances being so out of character, it’s hard to imagine they can simply flick a switch and turn it around so quickly.

Suggested bet: 1u Manly +11.5 at $1.90

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys 

Friday May 27 | BlueBet Stadium | 6.00pm AEST

The Panthers seem back to their best and sit at the top of the ladder with just the one loss all season, which came against the Eels three weeks ago. They look back in full flight after wins over the Roosters and Storm following the surprise slip. This shapes as a blockbuster as the Cowboys are playing irrepressible football. It’s been slightly dulled by the loss of guns Taumalolo and Feldt, but their replacements are capable, and it’s hard to knock winning form as they looking for seven in a row here. The Panthers have won the last three encounters, with the last two coming by 20+ points, but it’s clear the Cowboys are a much different team in 2022.

Suggested bet: 1u Cowboys +14.5 at $1.90

Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans 

Friday May 27 | Suncorp Stadium | 7.55pm AEST

The Broncos are brandishing an attacking style of footy and it’s working. Now they’re eyeing the top four after five wins on the trot. There’s some doubt about Adam Reynolds for the Broncos and he’s a key cog in keeping the stability and poise which facilitates their swashbuckling style with the ball. The Titans were competitive against the Sharks last weekend but fell away in the early part of the second half. They’ve shown glimpses of form which would see them highly competitive here, especially if Reynolds is out. The Titans have also won three of the last four games between the teams. Whilst this is a danger game for the Broncos, the line of -7.5 still seems short if Reynolds does in fact play.

No suggested bet

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights

Saturday May 28 | Moreton Daily Stadium | 3.00pmAEST

Two sides struggling in 2022, but the Warriors look to be more competitive against better sides than the Knights. Despite losing their last three, and dropping five from their last six, the Warriors have only narrowly went down to the Dragons, Souths and Canberra in recent weeks. While the Knights are probably the worst side in the competition currently, losing by big margins around their tight win over the Bulldogs two weeks ago. There are injury concerns for the Knights too. It’s hard to see the Knights turning it around and this is an opportunity the Warriors can’t miss.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Warriors win at $1.77

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers

Saturday May 28 | Accor Stadium | 5.30pm AEST

The Tigers beat the Bulldogs last week to return to the winners’ circle, and now face the Rabbitohs with confidence after pulling off a huge upset over them earlier in the season. The Rabbitohs are ripe for picking again after succumbing to the Raiders last week in a lacklustre display. They have some key inclusions, such as Mark Nicholls and Cameron Murray, but it’s hard to back them with confidence given their up-and-down season. Five of the last six encounters between the teams have been decided by eight points or less, so the Tigers at the plus looks appealing.

Suggested bet 1u Tigers +7.5 at $1.90:

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters

Saturday May 28 | PointsBet Stadium | 7.35pmAEST

Keen on the Sharks here. They’ve won their past eight night games at this venue and looked back to their best in the second half as they beat the Titans last week. This is a fork in the road game for the Sharks as they look to regain their hot early season form. They can’t afford to drop this match against the Roosters if they are to be considered serious premiership contenders. The Roosters have won the past six clashes between the pair, but the Sharks are a better side in 2022, whereas the Roosters are still well off their best. That was evident last week when unable to back up their win over the Eels as they went down meekly to the Panthers.

Suggested bet: 2u Sharks win at $1.80

Canterbury Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Sunday May 29 | Belmore Sports Ground | 2.00pmAEST

This appears a rather low game on paper and even harder to get inspired from a betting proposition. After the turmoil of sacking coach Trent Barrett, the Dogs were unable to beat the Tigers last week. The Dogs get Addo-Carr back and for that reason, they might seem to be a touch of ‘overs’ in the market. However, they’re simply not a side which punters can back with any confidence.

No suggested bet

Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels

Sunday May 29 | GIO Stadium | 4.05pm AEST

The resurgent Raiders are looking for their fourth straight win as they push for the finals after a sloppy start to the season. In recent weeks they’ve dominated the Rabbitohs and Sharks, and if they can bring that form, should pose a problem for the Eels. The inconsistent Eels are hard to line up, especially given they’re the only side to topple the might of the Panthers in 2022. However, they’re now stuck in an alternating sequence of win-loss – and I’m tipping that continues with a loss here after narrowly beating Manly last week. Canberra has also won nine of their 10 over the Eels at this venue.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Canberra win at $2.60